Masterclass with Sébastien Marq

“What moves me, what surprises me”: 
French Baroque chamber music from 1680 to 1740, focusing on Couperin, Marin Marais, Hotteterre, and others.

Over three days of practice, Sébastien Marq—former teacher at the conservatory in The Hague and the CRR in Paris, as well as a loyal flutist with Les Arts Florissants—invites instrumentalists to explore Baroque chamber music and the French suite.

The masterclass will be an opportunity to work on various instrumental pieces:  

• Concerts Royaux by François Couperin, harpsichord pieces played “in symphony”
• Trio suites by Marin Marais
• Suites for 1 and 2 dessus, with and without bass by Jacques-Martin Hotteterre
• Sonata for 8 by Marc-Antoine Charpentier

And more, depending on the candidates. 

Who is it for? 

Flutists, oboists, gambists, violinists, theorbo players, professionals or students in higher education. This masterclass is also open to modern instrumentalists. 

Where and when? 

From March 24 to 26, 2026 (arrival in Thiré on the evening of March 23), at the Quartier des Artistes in Thiré (Vendée), an exceptional heritage site combining beautiful gardens and musical delights, birthplace of the Festival Dans les jardins de William Christie. 

Learning outcomes 

• Become familiar with the French Suite
• Master the French Baroque style
• Learn how to use ornamentation 

Workflow 

The schedule will consist of group work sessions, individual work, and theoretical sessions (sources, context, etc.). Selected candidates will be asked to prepare a suite or several pieces. A public concert will be held on the last day.

Limited to 12 participants. 

How to apply? 

Please complete the online form (HERE)

Instrumentalists who wish to participate must send us:

• a resume
• a cover letter
• a recording of a movement from a French suite 

Application deadline: February 15, 2026 

Requests for information and inquiries by email to the following address: masterclasses@arts-florissants.org 

Participation fee of €700, including tuition fees, accommodation in a single room, meals, and transfers from the nearest train station.